Gambling addiction can affect anyone, regardless of how often they gamble. Signs of addiction include financial struggles, damage to personal relationships, and negative behaviors. Secrecy and shame are also common signs, and treatment options are available.
Anyone, male or female, young or old, can show signs of a gambling addiction, even if that person only gambles once in a while. A common misconception about gambling addiction dictates that a gambler only has a problem if he gambles frequently, but signs of gambling addiction do not necessarily include frequent gambling; however, any gambling that creates problems for the player and his loved ones can be a sign of addiction. Damage to personal relationships and financial hardship are signs of addiction, and in many cases, depression, mood swings, and other negative behaviors can also be signs.
Another misconception about gambling is that the player has no problem if he can afford to lose the money. The truth is, the signs of gambling addiction aren’t always indicated by the loss of money. If the gambler’s addiction causes problems in the home, the gambler may have a problem. It is not uncommon for a problem gambler to ignore their children, spouse, and other duties including paying bills, going to work, getting enough sleep, eating right, and so on. It is important to remember that problem gambling is a disorder that can lead to physical and mental health problems rather than just financial problems.
Financial struggles are, of course, one of the biggest signs of gambling addiction. The player is likely to continue playing regardless of their financial situation; he or she may have lost all of his or her money, but won’t be able to walk away from the games. Games are all that matters to the player while in a casino or other gaming area, and all other aspects of life take a back seat to the continuation of the games. Gamblers tend to have financial problems and can even lose money that was intended for bills, food or other vital purposes.
One of the other signs of gambling addiction is secrecy. The gambler may feel the need to hide his gambling habits from his loved ones because he feels ashamed of his problem. It is not uncommon for the gambler’s loved ones to be completely unaware of the problem until it is too late. Family members should take action if they notice a problem and there are treatment options for this disorder.
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